If you're applying for jobs in education, there's a good chance you've asked yourself this question:
Should I be using a résumé or a CV?
They're often used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. And depending on the type of job you're applying for, choosing the right one can make a big difference.
Whether you’re applying to a K–12 school, a university, or an edtech company, here’s what you need to know about when to use each, and why.
What’s the difference between a résumé and a CV?
A résumé is a brief overview of your skills, work experience, and accomplishments. It's usually one to two pages long and tailored specifically to the job you're applying for. Résumés are designed to be easy to skim and highlight your most relevant experience.
A CV, short for Curriculum Vitae, is a longer and more detailed document. It includes your full academic background, research, publications, presentations, teaching experience, and more. CVs are common for academic and research-focused positions, especially in higher education.
Think of it like this:
- A résumé is focused and tailored
- A CV is comprehensive and detailed
When do you need a résumé?
Use a résumé when you're applying for roles that are not research-focused or heavily academic. For example:
- K–12 teaching roles
- Administrative jobs in colleges or universities
- Academic advising, student affairs, or enrollment roles
- Instructional design or curriculum development
- Jobs in edtech, nonprofits, or government
Hiring managers in these areas want to quickly understand how your background fits the role. A clean, targeted résumé makes that easy.
When do you need a CV?
A CV is typically expected when you're applying for:
- Faculty roles at colleges and universities
- Research positions
- Postdocs or fellowships
- Academic conferences or grant opportunities
- Teaching roles outside the US, where CVs are the norm
If the job involves publishing, presenting at conferences, or conducting research, a CV gives you space to include all of that in detail.
What are the benefits of each?
Résumés are concise, focused, and make it easier to show your fit for a specific role. They’re ideal when you're trying to stand out in a competitive hiring process that values clarity and relevance.
CVs are great for showing the full scope of your academic and professional journey. They’re essential when you need to highlight your research, scholarly work, and teaching experience.
What if you're not sure?
If you're applying to a role and the job description doesn’t specify, here’s a quick tip:
- If it’s a faculty or research role, go with a CV
- If it’s a staff or admin role, or something outside of academia, stick with a résumé
And sometimes, especially if you’re applying to a wide range of positions, you’ll need both versions ready.
Need help?
At Milaj.co, we support job seekers across all areas of education. Whether you need a professional résumé, a polished academic CV, or help figuring out which one is right for your goals, we’ve got you covered.
You don’t need to navigate the job market alone. Visit our Jobseeker Services page to explore personalized support, and let’s get you one step closer to your next opportunity.